Best Buy is considering moving part of the car audio department to a space next to the mobile phone section, according to many vendors.
Several said the company is planning a test trial of a sizeable car audio section adjacent to mobile phones, which is one of the most visited sections of the store. The assortment would include connected car products and traditional car audio products, they said. But at least part of the car audio department would remain in the back of the store by the installation bay.
We asked Best Buy specifically if they planned test the new format in several hundred stores starting in about 60 days.
A Best Buy spokeswoman said, “…the info you have is not accurate, starting with timing and scope. We plan to make adjustments in our mobile audio selection as part of broader store changes that launch this fall. We aren’t providing details on these changes until closer to launch.”
But interviews with many industry members in contact with Best Buy reveal that big box chain is seriously considering moving part of the car audio department to better demonstrate car connectivity. CarPlay is one catalyst for the move as it is an easily understood connection with a mobile phone, some said.
It is also hoped that the new placement will raise awareness of car audio and connected car products and increase sales.
Additionally, Best Buy is expected to launch a test trial of powersports audio in the coming months with a special floor display.
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Best buy might as well just move celuar department to the car audio department it would be a better move, customers will take a few extra steps to get a phone, and learn what the can do with that phone when they are there. Like Viper alarms remote start via smart phone.